USMNT’s Josh Sargent sparks controversy, drops two assists in Norwich’s win over Derby

U.S. international Josh Sargent’s two assists helped power Norwich to a 3-2 win over Derby in the English Championship. One of the goals sparked controversy, as Derby have a valid argument that it should not have counted.

The controversy stems from Norwich’s opener as Sargent charged up the pitch and near the goalline and found Borja Sainz on a low cross in front of goal to put the score at 1-0. Replays showed that Sargent and the ball went past the goaline on the cross and should have been considered out of play. Yet, the referee missed the incident.

In a tightly-contested match, Derby would fight back and equalize thanks to Craig Forsyth in the 60th minute. Yet, Sainz wouldn’t be denied and scored in the 65th minute to reclaim the lead. Providing the game-winning goal, Sargent found Sainz again to score in the 87th minute to put the match at 3-1. Derby would score once again in the 90th minute, but Norwich held on to win.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Norwich get their second win in a row and move up to seventh place in the English Championship. The team has relied heavily on Sargent this season, who is off to a solid start with two goals and three assists in seven appearances this season.

  Derby will rightly feel aggrieved though, having lost a game they should might at least drawn – things could have been dramatically different if Norwich didn’t score the controversial opening goal.

• • DID YOU KNOW?

    Sargent was on the Norwich team that last played on the Premier League during the 2021-22 season prior to relegation.

    Derby’s wait to return to the Premier League has been much longer. The last time The Rams were in the Premier League was during the 2007-08 season. During that campaign they set the all-time Premier League record for lowest points in a season with 11.

  • WHAT NEXT FOR NORWICH?

    Sargent and Norwich have two league matches, against Brenden Aaronson’s Leeds on Oct. 1 and Hull City on Oct. 5, prior to the international break.